ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- Roger Barr, a Public Service Assistant with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, is recovering after suffering a medical event and driving partially into the ocean.

Commander Chuck Mulligan said the incident happened early Saturday evening on a beach in the southern portion of the county.

Mulligan said Barr, who was on-duty doing beach patrol as a part-time public service assistant, was unable to maintain control of their vehicle because of the medical episode and drove slightly into the ocean.

Mulligan said witnesses rushed to free Barr from the vehicle before the St. Johns County Fire and Rescue Department arrived and took him to the hospital.

Mulligan said, the exact nature of what happened is not being released because of federal privacy law.

Mulligan said Barr has been with the sheriff's office for a while, but could not say specifically how long.

PSA Barr is not a sworn law enforcement officer, but assists sheriff's deputies in a part-time role.

"Sheriff Shoar and the men and women of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office would like to extend out gratitude to all those who have inquired about our Public Service Assistant who had a medical event yesterday afternoon," the post said. "He is still hospitalized today. Thanks to all who recognized the issue and performed life saving techniques. We are so fortunate to live in a community where people are willing to help others.